Rat Control Portland
Rats! Hearing noises in the walls?
Or seeing rodents outside? Ready to call an exterminator, but don’t want risky chemicals? Call us today.
Roof rat in SE Portland
Portland Rat Control
Our rat control services focus on thorough inspections, finding and sealing rat entry points, and using environmentally safe extermination techniques when necessary.
Its no secret, Portland rats are widespread & abundant. Like other invasive species, left unchecked, Norway rats and roof rats can multiply out of control– And fast. We may not like to think about it, but rat control is essential for human health and safety.
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Eco Friendly Rat Control
At first, a daytime rat sighting might be a novel moment of wildlife watching. But if you’re seeing rats in the backyard during the day, it’s best to be proactive to prevent rats from reproducing out of control and causing damage. We create custom Integrated Pest Management strategies for rats around your home, designed for safety for people, pets, and wildlife.
Rat Control FAQs
What diseases do rats carry?
According to the CDC, rats can carry & transmit hantavirus (roof rats), hemorrhagic fever with renal symptoms, leptospirosis, tuleremia, bartonella, plague, salmonella and other diseases.
We seldom think about rat bourn illness. But for many with aging or unsecure homes, this could be a serious issue if not for professional rodent control services.
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Will Rats Just Go Away?
Unfortunately, probably not. Rats are both a political & ecological issue. Their foraging range is about 3 city blocks. If rats find a consistent food source within that area, each rat is capable of multiplying by 10 every two months.
Many experience this firsthand. Unsecured trash, dumpsters, chicken coops, squirrel feeders, bird food, fruit trees, compost, and even grass seed and earthworms can sustain large colonies of rats that become difficult to trap as they learn over time.
Best Bait For Rat Traps?
The best bait for rat traps is usually nut butters & seed pastes. Nuts and seeds have the perfect blend of carbs, fats & proteins that rats crave. And spreads like peanut butter & sunflower butter are long-lasting & have a pasty consistency that is convenient for applying to the traps.
If peanut butter isn’t working, assume the rats associate the smell with a previous dangerous experience. Get creative and use something else with lots of carbs, protein and fat like bacon, chicken, candy, chips, jelly or jam.
Can Rats Climb Walls?
Yes, rats can scale 90 degrees up wood, concrete, vinyl, and any other walls with a textured surface. They have ice-pick sharp claws that allow them to climb vertical surfaces (just like a squirrel does).
Since rodents can climb over fences & walls (and also burrow underneath), that’s partly why it’s so difficult to keep rats out of your garden & yard.
Rodent Control Portland 
Peppermint Oil for Rats?
Peppermint oil contains menthol other volatile organic chemicals that can be irritating to mammals’ respiratory systems, skin or eyes if exposed to high concentrations.
When using peppermint oil to deter rats:
- Always make sure you have closed up the entire house except 1 entry point.
- Place your peppermint oil repellent (1-2 drops on a paper towel) into attics, crawlspaces, garages, or stuff into the 1 remaining entry point.
- Seal the remaining entry point when the activity ceases.
- Always use extreme caution with peppermint oil rat repellents to ensure you do not end up harming yourself or others.
Best Way to Get Rid of Rats
The best way to get rid of rats is to remove any attractive foods & hiding places possible. Inspect your foundation, vents, eaves, dormers & gutters every 6 months for entry points and seal any openings greater than 1/4″ with sturdy metal materials.
Beware that bird feeders can attract rats, and that homes with earthen crawlspaces are highly susceptible to invasion from burrowing Norway rats.
If you don’t have any food or hiding places for rats outside, or tried to control rats with unsatisfactory results, give us a call.
We have the experience, equipment and excellent service you need to identify rodent entry points, get them sealed, and leave you with a plan for long-term success.
Pest & Pollinator LLC is committed to our mission of helping the Portland OR community solve pest problems while reducing pesticides and protecting biodiversity.
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